Five stars: Siddle tears through England on day one

Fast bowling leader Peter Siddle stood up for Australia with an awesome five-wicket performance as England was bowled out cheaply on day one of the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.

Siddle was criticised for his poor lead-up form, but emphatically dismissed doubt over his selection by tearing through England’s top order with figures of 5-50, before the home side were all out for 215 from 59 overs.

James Pattinson started the rot by dismissing opener Alastair Cook in the ninth over and then finished the innings off by removing Greame Swann and ended up with 3-69.

Mitchell Starc chipped in with the consecutive wickets of Jonny Bairstow and Steven Finn near the death, only narrowly missing out on a hat-trick when James Anderson bravely left a ball whizzing past his off stump.

Ashton Agar couldn’t add to one of the most stunning debuts in Ashes history, with the spinner going wicketless for 24 runs from his seven overs.

Australia’s highest-ranked quick Siddle knocked over five of England’s danger men to leave the home side reeling at 6-185 at tea.From his first wicket to his fifth, Siddle went for just 22 runs from 51 balls.

After going for runs early, the Victorian pace warrior announced his return to the Ashes centre stage with a cracking outswinger which beat the edge of Joe Root’s (30) bat and knocked over his off-stump at base-height.

Siddle had superstar batsman Kevin Pietersen (14) poking forward and edging to second slip for his second breakthrough, before the cat was really set amongst the pigeons when he had Jonathan Trott (48) playing on at 4-124.

Ian Bell (25) and Jonny Bairstow (32 not out) combined for a half century fifth wicket stand to steady the ship, before Bell became Siddle’s fourth victim - nicking to Shane Watson at first slip.

Next it was Matt Prior’s (1) turn - slashing a wide ball to Phil Hughes at point.Siddle was smashed for 0-27 in his first four-over spell from the Pavillion End, before roaring back into rhythm when switched to the Radcliffe Road End.

Australia backed up their selection bombshells by showing strong intent with the ball on what looked an ideal batting wicket.

All-rounder Watson didn’t bowl in the opening session, and bowled just four overs in the middle session (0-7) before appearing to pull up in some discomfort.Steve Smith was announced as the No.6, with David Warner paying the price for his drunken punch in a Birmingham bar last month.

AAP

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